Dasara Preparations Reach Full Swing with All 14 Elephants on Procession Path

Quick Summary

• Dasara rehearsal in Mysuru gained momentum with all 14 elephants participating in the full-length march along the designated procession route on Tuesday.
• Two batches of elephants arrived: 9 elephants already camping at Mysore Palace were joined by a second batch of 5-Hemavathi, Srikanta, Sugriva, Roopa, and Gopi-on Monday evening.
• Weigh-ins revealed Sugriva as the heaviest (5,545 kg) and Hemavathi as the lightest (2,440 kg). Hemavathi is also the youngest elephant at age 11 and born in captivity.
• Three elephants (Hemavathi, Srikanta, Roopa) are making their debut in Mysuru Dasara this year.
• A public procession was held where all 14 elephants walked through key locations like Sayyaji Rao Road and K.R. Circle to Bannimantap; large crowds gathered to watch while prayers were offered by some devotees.
• Rehearsals for new additions include acclimatizing to city noise/din over three weeks while building confidence for their tasks during Vijayadashami celebrations.
• Male elephants will gradually carry weights of up to 1,200 kg over training sessions before carrying the golden howdah during festivities.

Indian Opinion analysis

The annual Mysuru Dasara preparations highlight India’s harmonious blending of culture with wildlife care practices-a legacy revered locally and celebrated nationally. The involvement of captive-born Hemavathi exemplifies efforts towards ethical wildlife management within ceremonial traditions like Jamboo Savari.

The systematic monitoring of health indicators such as weight and diet underscores proactive measures ensuring both animal welfare and readiness for rituals requiring physical exertion-showcasing how tradition aligns with modern conservation practices.

For locals and tourists alike who attended rehearsals or engaged spiritually by offering prayers equating these majestic creatures with Lord Ganesha’s imagery ahead of festivities-the event reinforces cultural bonding unique to India’s soulful celebrations.

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